Thoughts and a talk
1466 Words
*Pilar*
I step out of the tent, craving some fresh air. Men can be so pathetic, needy and slim creatures, constantly thinking about s*x and how to manipulate others into getting what they want. But hey, I just made 500 dollars in just five minutes, so who's the real sucker here?
As I stroll along the grass, I spot Zay slowly swinging back and forth on a contraption suspended from a nearby tree. He flashes me a charming smile, which I can't help but find infectious.
"Hey Pilar, are you enjoying your new digs?" he asks.
"Yeah, thanks. The tents are pretty nice," I reply. My eyes are drawn to the way his long legs move as the chair swings. "Have you seen any of my cousins?"
Zay chuckles softly, and I feel inexplicably drawn to his relaxed energy. "Well, Matt and Emilia are still holed up in their tent, being suspiciously quiet. And Nina went for a walk with Nick and the dogs."
"Of course she did," I mutter, rolling my eyes a bit. Nina, bless her heart, can be so naive when it comes to men. All it takes is a handsome smile, a kind word, and she's hooked.
Sure, Nick seems like a decent guy… he really likes dogs, and he's not a total douchebag… but he's still a man and a werewolf on top of it. And men, unfortunately, can't always be trusted.
"I have a feeling those two kinda like each other," Zay says, a small knowing smile playing on his lips. "I mean, look at them."
He points down the path, where Nina and Nick walk side by side. Nick has his hands in his pockets, kicking at a rock, and Nina is listening intently to whatever he's saying. "Yeah, I can see what you mean," I concede. "She's definitely sucking it up."
"He he yeah," He leans back. "I guess you can call it that."
"Look at her. I can see the heart shaped eyes from here. And before you start hating me, it's not that I don't want her to be happy. I just don't want her hurt. Not only is he a handsome guy, and a werewolf… the more handsome, the more offers… you get it right? Also he lives in another country. What is even the idea? And I know her, she isn't looking for a quick fling like he might be”.
Zay grins. "Well, it can get lonely out here sometimes, with mostly guys around. Seems like Nick might be getting some… affection soon though." He winks at me cheekily. "I would love to get some… "
My stomach drops. Another guy turning out to be a sleaze bag. Why am I not surprised? He's an Alpha; he probably expects women to spread their legs for a smile. "Dream on," I snap. "You're not getting anything from me."
*Zay*
Surprised by Pilar’s unleashed pent-up emotions, I am taken aback. "Are you okay?" I ask, concerned. "What just happened?"
"I'm fine," she huffs, her body tense like a bowstring. "I'm just tired of men thinking that we women are desperate enough to give it up for free."
Her sharp tone makes me think she's been hurt. "It seems like you've had some bad experiences in that area. I hear you," I say, taking a deep breath. "But you misunderstood me. What I meant to say was that I would love to get some affection from someone special… to find that instant connection that they seem to have."
As I hold her gaze and give a small smile, Pilar's expression softens. "Oh...sorry I misunderstood you," she admits.
"It's okay," I reassure her. I can't help but notice the pain in her eyes. "So it seems like men haven't given you reason to trust any of us."
She makes a small, amused huff. "You could say that. Men are generally sexually-driven pigs, just looking for the next hole to stick their pathetic d**k in."
I respect her honesty. But I can't help but feel sad that she believes all men are like that and that someone may have hurt her that badly. "Well, I appreciate your honesty," I reply. "But I'm sorry someone hurt you so much that you think like that."
"Why do you assume I'm hurt?" Pilar shoots back, her guard up. "Maybe I'm just smart… Maybe I just realized that men are pigs... Maybe I just see through all of you."
Despite her tough exterior, it's clear that Pilar is hurting. I hope I can help her see that not all men are the same.
I nod, understanding that I shouldn't pressure her. "Point taken. You're right. I can't argue that all men are good or that everyone has good intentions. I don't think I'm perfect either, but I do try to respect everyone, regardless of gender. I've never seen women as objects or felt superior to them. However, only you can judge whether I'm making you feel threatened. If you think I'm being a pig, how can I argue otherwise?"
Her lip quivers slightly. "Why are you being so nice about it?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" I reply, sincerely. "Without jumping to conclusions, it's clear that you're hurting for some reason. When people are in pain, they need kindness more than anything else." I can tell that she expected me to react with anger.
"It's still not normal," Pilar says, sounding confused. "Most men get angry and call me names, like b***h, or just make fun of me. You did neither."
"I would never call any woman a name like that," I tell her. "And I don't think you did anything to deserve a reaction like that at all. Plus, I would never make fun of someone's feelings. Everyone's emotions deserve recognition."
Suddenly, Pilar's attention shifts to Nina and Nick, who are walking back towards us. "I'm scared she'll get hurt," she murmurs. "She's more sensitive, you know."
"Well, of course, I can't give any guarantees," I reply. "No one really can. But Nick is a good guy. He really is." I watch Pilar as she watches Nina and Nick, not entirely convinced by her earlier reassurances. "And I think Nina is stronger than she looks."
Pilar chews on her lip, contemplating what I've said. "You might be right," she admits. "It's just that...nothing. I might just be overprotective because of my own experiences."
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to protect her from getting hurt," I say. "But she needs to live her life and make her own choices."
"You make me sound like her mom," Pilar says, laughing softly. I like her laugh.
"Well, you do act a bit like her mother," I tease. "What about trying to be her friend instead?" I offer her a friendly smile, hoping to put her at ease.
*Nick*:
I walk back up to the back lawn with Nina, looking around at Zay and Pilar, who seem to be alone. I can't help but wonder if there's something going on between them.
Zay greets us with a crooked smile. "Well, hi there. Did you kids have a nice walk?"
I want to kick him but keep my composure. Nina's sweet smile is response enough. "Yes, we did," she replies. "There's such beautiful nature around here."
"There really is," Zay agrees with a happy smile. "That's why I knew I had to own this place."
Nina suddenly says, "I think I need to take a shower." She sends me a shy smile before Pilar interrupts her.
"What about working out first?" Pilar suggests.
Nina makes a cute face. "Yikes… okay, I guess I could use it."
I accidentally blurt out, "Bullshit." Realizing what I just said, I correct myself. "Uh, sorry… I didn't mean that. I meant you look good just the way you are."
"Thanks," she replies, giving me a small smile before Pilar grabs her arm and almost drags her off. "See you guys later," she calls out.
I can't help but watch as they walk away, appreciating the way she carries herself, and how she flips her hair back behind her shoulder.
Zay pads me on the shoulder. "Want a napkin or something? It's not really polite to stare, you know."
"I wasn't staring. I was lost in my own thoughts for a moment," I explain, trying to avoid her hearing.
"Nah, you like her," he grins.
"Of course, I do," I mutter, not wanting Nina to hear me. "She's sweet, funny, and we had an interesting conversation while walking."
Zay smirks at me. "No, I mean you like her-like her," he teases.
"Oh, shut up, Zay," I complain, making a face at him. But deep down, I know he's right. I like her. "Damn, you're right."
He winks at me. "I know."
- Writer
